La International Federation of Padel (FIP) formalized a partnership with theInternational Testing Agency (ITA) in order to entrust the latter with the independent management of its entire anti-doping program. A collaboration which reflects the FIP's desire to guarantee a clean padel.

A program that meets international standards

Under this agreement, the ITA will take charge all aspects of the anti-doping program of the FIP, ensuring implementation in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code and its international standards. This includes the development of a control distribution plan, based on a risk assessment specific to padel.

Personalized targeted tests will be carried out throughout the year, both in competition et out of competition, with international level players, particularly during tournaments Premier Padel and CUPRA FIP Tour.

Biological monitoring, results and therapeutic authorizations

The ITA will also manage the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), allowing longitudinal monitoring of certain biological variables to detect possible doping practices. In the event of abnormal results or suspected violation of the rules, ITA will take charge of managing the procedures, thus guaranteeing the independence and impartiality of the process.

The Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) will also be administered by the ITA, via an independent medical committee (iTUEC). This mechanism allows athletes with justified pathologies to have access to the necessary treatments, without compromising the anti-doping system.

Investigation, intelligence and training

ITA's expertise also extends to intelligence analysis and investigations, integrating non-analytical data into a more comprehensive anti-doping strategy.

Finally, an essential pillar of the partnership is based on a four-year educational strategy, developed by the ITA in collaboration with the FIP. It includes training courses adapted to padel, webinars, awareness-raising actions on tournaments and a assessment device enabling the effectiveness of actions carried out with athletes, their support staff and the general public to be measured.

Shared values

To Luigi Carraro, president of the FIP:

"The health of athletes, the integrity of each competition organized by the FIP, and the message of justice we convey to younger generations are at the heart of our mission. Padel is a rapidly growing sport based on the values ​​of sharing and respect. This partnership is in line with this approach."

The agreement with the ITA is based on the principles of the Olympic Charter and constitutes, according to Carraro, "an important step to guarantee the future of padel in compliance with sporting rules".

An approach welcomed by the ITA

For its part, Benjamin Cohen, Director General of the ITA, welcomed this collaboration:

“Padel is a dynamic and fast-growing sport. The FIP is leading by example by placing athlete health and clean sport at the heart of its development. Players will now benefit from a rigorous, impartial anti-doping program based on scientific expertise.”

A long-term vision

With this partnership, the FIP and the ITA are laying the foundations for the sustainable development of padel, by focusing on transparency and trust. An approach which also fits into the Olympic ambitions of the discipline, still young but booming on an international scale.

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